How It Works

Open Learning Works For You

Fill in the gaps.

Need science courses for a health-related graduate program or medical school? OLA's course offerings are designed to set you up for success by building a strong foundation for further education and career.

Learn from dedicated faculty.

OLA offers all the benefits of a Doane education, experienced right where you are. Having access to Doane's professors will mean you always have the support you need to succeed.

Learn at Your Pace.

Open Learning Academy offers flexible course options designed to fit your schedule and learning style. Choose from instructor-led 8-week courses with structured deadlines or self-paced 5- and 16-week courses that let you progress at your own speed. Whether you prefer a guided format or the freedom to move ahead independently, OLA makes it possible to achieve your goals on your timeline.

Decide when you begin.

OLA provides courses in 5-week, 8-week, and 16-week terms. You can learn the same material on a shorter timeline or over the full semester. Choose which term length works best for you to meet your admission requirements or professional learning credits to meet deadlines.

Start without the hassle.

There's no application required to enroll in OLA courses. Fill out the registration and payment details, and you're ready for class.

Take your credits with you.

OLA credits have been accepted at major learning institutions across the country, including top Ivy League schools. Wherever you're headed, OLA can help get you there.

Malorie L.
Utah

I’m currently a Biology major with a minor in Molecular Biology with the goal of becoming a Pharmacist.  I wanted a career with the combination of research and lab work that also included patient care. After completing several job shadows with pharmacists, I realized I did not have all of the prerequisite coursework to apply to pharmacy and school and unfortunately my home institution did not offer Organic Chemistry I or II on my timeline. 

When I found Doane’s Open Learning Academy, the online lecture and labs were what I needed to help me prepare for graduate school - additionally, it helped me become ready a year earlier than I had originally anticipated. I confirmed with the pharmacy program that I wanted to attend course transferability, and they encouraged me to enroll with Open Learning Academy. 

Open Learning Academy gave me the ability to choose course length, complete lectures and labs at home and the professors responded quickly when I needed help.  Open Learning Academy allowed me to meet my application deadlines and provided the flexibility I needed.

Doane OLA Student
Mikayla S.
New York

I studied Integrative Neuroscience in undergraduate school, which led me to work in clinical settings like urgent cares and private medical offices. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but when I started interacting with patients directly, it motivated me to pursue a career as a physician's assistant. 

I had most of my science prerequisites completed from my undergraduate studies, but I still needed biochemistry and biology I and II to meet admission requirements.  One of my top choice Physician Assistant programs I plan to apply to suggested Open Learning Academy, it provided the flexibility I needed since I work full-time. The accelerated option and pacing was definitely valuable as I wanted to apply early in the admission cycle.  The online class environment was supportive and I found most of my classmates were all in the same boat - trying to complete prerequisites for medical and physician assistant programs.  My experience has reminded me that I’m not alone, and that community and purpose go hand in hand.

Doane OLA Student
April L.
Washington

Before enrolling in Doane University’s Open Learning Academy, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biology, followed by a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration,  with 13 years of hands-on health-care experience.  But there came a pivotal moment in my career when I recognized I no longer felt fulfilled in my role and flet limited in my ability to make a meaningful impact. 

Although I had previously completed the required prerequisites for medical school, enough time had elapsed since my undergraduate studies that meant several courses needed to be retaken to meet current medical school application requirements. Given the demands of my full-time work schedule, I was drawn to Open Learning Academy because of its flexibility and strong record of course transferability.  The accelerated format and supportive faculty are keeping me on track to meet my application deadline for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs. This would not have been possible, without the foundation provided by Doane’s Open Learning Academy.

Doane OLA Student
Kamilah T.
Florida

As an aspiring physician assistant, I want to increase access to healthcare and give back to patients who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.  As a current medical assistant, I enjoy working with my patients directly and it influenced my decision to apply to Physician Assistant school.  

Working full-time to gain patient care experience, Doane University’s Open Learning Academy was the perfect program to complement my busy schedule.  I chose Open Learning Academy, because of its flexibility, reputation, and high academic standards.  I enrolled in Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry II as a post-baccalaureate student, to complete my admission prerequisites and increase my GPA.  

Despite the course being online, my professors were accessible and provided ample instructional material featuring lectures, powerpoint presentations and homework assignments that I never felt underprepared for quizzes or exams and the hands-on lab component greatly enhanced my learning experience.  I completed both courses in 8 weeks and met my application deadline. Open Learning Academy provided me with the opportunity to pursue higher education in a field I’m incredibly passionate about.

Doane OLA Student

How Open Learning Works

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Step 1. Check with Your Registrar or
Admissions Counselor

Doane University’s credits are accepted at most institutions across the country. Before enrolling, check with the receiving institution the courses will be accepted.

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Step 2. Select and Register for Your Course

You don’t need to submit an application or a transcript to enroll in Doane University’s Open Learning Academy. Simply select your course by reviewing course start and end dates. Remember 5-week and 16-week courses are self-paced and 8-week are instructor-led.

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Step 3. Get All the Details

Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive information regarding your student account set-up, course schedule and additional student service information.

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Step 4. Finish in 5, 8 or 16 Weeks

Doane University’s Open Learning Academy offers multiple start dates throughout the academic year with courses offered in 5, 8 and 16-week terms.

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Step 5. Transfer Your Credits

You can request your transcripts up to 30 days prior to completing your course. Once your final grade is posted your course credit will be released to the requested institution.

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